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Heliyon Apr 2024Giant septic pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare but important entities, with few cases having been reported worldwide. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are...
Giant septic pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare but important entities, with few cases having been reported worldwide. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in the management of such cases. We report a 56-year-old female patient presenting with fatigue, nausea and vomiting who was first diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and developed life-threatening giant infectious PAA secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection and sepsis. The patient did not develop any specific symptoms, and enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a massive PAA of 5.6 × 4.9 cm in size at the left pulmonary hilar with normal pulmonary artery (PA) pressures. After multidisciplinary discussion and after considering the critical condition accompanied by sepsis increased the risk of surgery, endovascular treatment was the first therapy of choice for the patient; nevertheless, the patient ultimately opted for hospice care. This case report aims to raise awareness of PAAs, which are rare but potentially fatal complications of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 pneumonia and sepsis.
PubMed: 38586327
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28735 -
Cureus Mar 2024The pathogenesis of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) remains largely unknown. Herein, we present a case of ENKTL that may have occurred during the...
The pathogenesis of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) remains largely unknown. Herein, we present a case of ENKTL that may have occurred during the treatment of infection. A 69-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with nasal bleeding, and a nasopharyngeal mass was observed. The patient was diagnosed with infection on biopsy, and oral antibiotics were administered. The tumor decreased in size; however, swelling of the nasal mucosa and perforation of the nasal septum were observed. A biopsy revealed a recurrence of infection, and oral antibiotics were again administered. The mucosal swelling improved temporarily, but the condition gradually deteriorated. The patient was diagnosed with ENKTL based on a third biopsy. Retrospective evaluation of the biopsies showed that there were no CD56-positive cells in the first specimen; however, the number of CD56-positive cells gradually increased in the second and third specimens. We retrospectively observed the occurrence of ENKTL under chronic inflammatory conditions due to infection in this case. In addition, this case suggests that the possibility of malignancy must be considered when managing such patients with infection.
PubMed: 38576683
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55594 -
BMC Oral Health Apr 2024The oral cavity is home to various ecological niches, each with its own unique microbial composition. Understanding the microbial communities and gene composition in...
BACKGROUND
The oral cavity is home to various ecological niches, each with its own unique microbial composition. Understanding the microbial communities and gene composition in different ecological niches within the oral cavity of oral cancer (OC) patients is crucial for determining how these microbial populations contribute to disease progression.
METHODS
In this study, saliva and dental plaque samples were collected from patients with OC. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze the microbial community classification and functional composition of the different sample groups.
RESULTS
The results of the study revealed significant differences in both the function and classification of microbial communities between saliva and dental plaque samples. The diversity of microbial species in saliva was found to be higher compared to that in plaque samples. Notably, Actinobacteria were enriched in the dental plaque of OC patients. Furthermore, the study identified several inter-group differential marker species, including Prevotella intermedia, Haemophilus parahaemolyticus, Actinomyces radius, Corynebacterium matruchitii, and Veillonella atypica. Additionally, 1,353 differential genes were annotated into 23 functional pathways. Interestingly, a significant correlation was observed between differentially labeled species and Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, which may be related to the occurrence and development of cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant differences in the microbial and genetic composition of saliva and dental plaque samples were observed in OC patients. Furthermore, pathogenic bacteria associated with oral diseases were predominantly enriched in saliva. The identification of inter-group differential biomarkers and pathways provide insights into the relationship between oral microbiota and the occurrence and development of OC.
Topics: Humans; Saliva; Dental Plaque; Bacteria; Mouth Neoplasms; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 38575895
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04181-1 -
BMC Cancer Apr 2024Through research on the gut microbiota (GM), increasing evidence has indicated that the GM is associated with esophageal cancer (ESCA). However, the specific...
BACKGROUND
Through research on the gut microbiota (GM), increasing evidence has indicated that the GM is associated with esophageal cancer (ESCA). However, the specific cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to investigate the causal relationship between the GM and ESCA, including its subtypes.
METHODS
We collected information on 211 GMs and acquired data on ESCA and its subtypes through genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The causal relationship was primarily assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Additionally, we applied the weighted median estimator (WME) method, MR-Egger method, weighted mode, and simple mode to provide further assistance. Subsequent to these analyses, sensitivity analysis was conducted using the MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out method.
RESULT
Following our assessment using five methods and sensitivity analysis, we identified seven GMs with potential causal relationships with ESCA and its subtypes. At the genus level, Veillonella and Coprobacter were positively correlated with ESCA, whereas Prevotella9, Eubacterium oxidoreducens group, and Turicibacter were negatively correlated with ESCA. In the case of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), Flavonifractor exhibited a positive correlation, while Actinomyces exhibited a negative correlation.
CONCLUSION
Our study revealed the potential causal relationship between GM and ESCA and its subtypes, offering novel insights for the advancement of ESCA diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Esophageal Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma
PubMed: 38575885
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12205-w -
Journal of Natural Products Apr 2024We report on the use of itric xide-diated ranscriptional ctivation (NOMETA) as an innovative means to detect and access new classes of microbial natural products encoded...
We report on the use of itric xide-diated ranscriptional ctivation (NOMETA) as an innovative means to detect and access new classes of microbial natural products encoded within silent biosynthetic gene clusters. A small library of termite nest- and mangrove-derived fungi and actinomyces was subjected to cultivation profiling using a miniaturized 24-well format approach (MATRIX) in the presence and absence of nitric oxide, with the resulting metabolomes subjected to comparative chemical analysis using UPLC-DAD and GNPS molecular networking. This strategy prompted study of sp. CMB-TN6F and sp. CMB-TN39F, leading to discovery of the triterpene glycoside pullenvalenes A-D (-), featuring an unprecedented triterpene carbon skeleton and rare 6--methyl--acetyl-d-glucosaminyl glycoside residues. Structure elucidation of - was achieved by a combination of detailed spectroscopic analysis, chemical degradation, derivatization and synthesis, and biosynthetic considerations.
Topics: Animals; Triterpenes; Nitric Oxide; Molecular Structure; Isoptera; Aminoglycosides; Australia; Transcriptional Activation; Fungi; Talaromyces; Actinomyces
PubMed: 38575516
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01233 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Apr 2024Actinomycosis remains a rare and often underdiagnosed cause of appendicitis with only 10% of cases diagnosed prior to surgery. It is an important cause to consider...
Actinomycosis remains a rare and often underdiagnosed cause of appendicitis with only 10% of cases diagnosed prior to surgery. It is an important cause to consider particularly in the setting of an indolent infection with nonspecific symptoms. We present a 22 years old male who presented with 3 weeks history of lower abdominal pain who underwent laboratory investigations and imaging studies suggestive of acute appendicitis. He underwent an emergency laparoscopic caecectomy with histopathology of the specimen suggestive of actinomycosis. He recovered well postoperatively and was discharged home with a prolonged course of oral penicillins. Preoperative diagnosis of actinomycosis is uncommon and accounts for ~10% of cases. Definitive diagnosis is usually through histopathology or tissue/fluid culture. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgical resection and antibiotic therapy with a success rate of >90%.
PubMed: 38572291
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae195 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jul 2024This study aimed to characterize the urinary and tumor microbiomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) before and after transurethral resection... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to characterize the urinary and tumor microbiomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) before and after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT).
METHODS
This single-center prospective study included 26 samples from 11 patients with low-grade Ta papillary NMIBC. Urine samples were collected at the index TURBT and at a 1-year follow-up cystoscopy. The metagenomic analysis of bacterial and archaeal populations was performed based on the highly variable V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene.
RESULTS
Phylogenetic alpha diversity of the bladder microbiome detected in urine was found to be lower at the 1-year follow-up cystoscopy compared to the time of the index TURBT (p < 0.01). Actinomyces, Candidatus cloacimonas, Sphingobacterium, Sellimonas, Fusobacterium, and Roseobacter were more differentially enriched taxa in urine at the follow-up cystoscopy than at the index TURBT. Beta diversity of urine microbiome significantly changed over time (p < 0.05). Phylogenetic alpha diversity of the microbiome was greater in tumor tissues than in paired urine samples (p<0.01). Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Candidatus, and Kocuria were more differentially overrepresented in tumor tissues than in urine. The enrichment of the abundance of Corynebacterium and Anaerococcus species in urine collected at TURBT was observed in patients who experienced recurrence within the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with low-grade NMIBC, the urine microbiome undergoes changes over time after removal of the tumor. The microbiome detected in tumor tissues is more phylogenetically diverse than in paired urine samples collected at TURBT. The interplay between bladder microbiome, tumor microbiome, and their alterations requires further studies to elucidate their predictive value and perhaps therapeutic implications.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Male; Female; Microbiota; Aged; Middle Aged; Follow-Up Studies; Prognosis; Cystectomy; Neoplasm Invasiveness; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Phylogeny; Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 38570378
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15198-9 -
Medicina Clinica May 2024This study aims to assess the clinical, radiological, and histological characteristics of Actinomyces infection identified in appendectomy specimens.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the clinical, radiological, and histological characteristics of Actinomyces infection identified in appendectomy specimens.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Between January 2013 and November 2023, 5834 patients underwent appendectomy in our clinic, and their pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
Actinomyces appendicites were reported in 14 specimens (0.23%). It was determined that appendectomy was performed in only 10 patients (71.4%), ileocecal resection was performed in two patients (14.2%) and right hemicolectomy in two patients (14.2%). The operations on five patients were performed by laparoscopy, and the operations on the other nine patients were performed by open surgery. Laparoscopy was started in three patients and converted to open surgery due to suspicion of an ileocecal mass and cecal perforation. It was found that the white blood cell count of three patients was within the normal range of reference (8-9.77mg/dL); leukocytosis was detected in other patients (10.2-18.7mg/dL). C-reactive protein was normal in one patient and high in the rest of the patients. While the first-hour erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal in five patients, it was found to be high in the other patients. Findings on radiological imaging were reported as acute appendicitis, appendicular plastron, and ileocecal mass. As a result of the pathology findings, the patients were given oral penicillin or semi-synthetic penicillin derivatives during one month.
CONCLUSION
Ileocecal and appendecular actinomycosis are rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. A definitive diagnosis is usually made after a histopathological examination. After surgery, long-term antimicrobial treatment of the patient is possible with penicillin.
Topics: Humans; Actinomycosis; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Adult; Appendectomy; Aged; Appendicitis; Young Adult; Cecal Diseases; Laparoscopy; Actinomyces; Adolescent
PubMed: 38570296
DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.02.005 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024In multiple sclerosis (MS), alterations of the gut microbiota lead to inflammation. However, the role of other microbiomes in the body in MS has not been fully...
In multiple sclerosis (MS), alterations of the gut microbiota lead to inflammation. However, the role of other microbiomes in the body in MS has not been fully elucidated. In a pilot case-controlled study, we carried out simultaneous characterization of faecal and oral microbiota and conducted an in-depth analysis of bacterial alterations associated with MS. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolic inference tools, we compared the oral/faecal microbiota and bacterial metabolism pathways in French MS patients (n = 14) and healthy volunteers (HV, n = 21). A classification model based on metabolite flux balance was established and validated in an independent German cohort (MS n = 12, HV n = 38). Our analysis revealed decreases in diversity indices and oral/faecal compartmentalization, the depletion of commensal bacteria (Aggregatibacter and Streptococcus in saliva and Coprobacter and Roseburia in faeces) and enrichment of inflammation-associated bacteria in MS patients (Leptotrichia and Fusobacterium in saliva and Enterobacteriaceae and Actinomyces in faeces). Several microbial pathways were also altered (the polyamine pathway and remodelling of bacterial surface antigens and energetic metabolism) while flux balance analysis revealed associated alterations in metabolite production in MS (nitrogen and nucleoside). Based on this analysis, we identified a specific oral metabolite signature in MS patients, that could discriminate MS patients from HV and rheumatoid arthritis patients. This signature allowed us to create and validate a discrimination model on an independent cohort, which reached a specificity of 92%. Overall, the oral and faecal microbiomes were altered in MS patients. This pilot study highlights the need to study the oral microbiota and oral health implications in patients with autoimmune diseases on a larger scale and suggests that knowledge of the salivary microbiome could help guide the identification of new pathogenic mechanisms associated with the microbiota in MS patients.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Pilot Projects; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Bacteria; Inflammation
PubMed: 38565581
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57949-4 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Apr 2024Pediatric actinomycosis studies are limited to case reports or small case series. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to describe characteristics of skin and...
BACKGROUND
Pediatric actinomycosis studies are limited to case reports or small case series. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to describe characteristics of skin and soft tissue actinomycosis in adolescents and children.
METHODS
We conducted the study from January 2019 to December 2022, including patients aged ≤21 years with at least 1-year follow-up data. All clinical cultures obtained under sterile conditions with Actinomyces growth were included.
RESULTS
One hundred four patients met inclusion criteria; median age 19 (interquartile range: 17-20) years, 68.3% female, 46.2% Black and 47.1% Hispanic. The median antibiotic treatment duration was 10 (7-10) days, and majority of patients received treatment with non-first-line Actinomyces antibiotics. Infectious disease consultation was requested for only 7 patients during their initial skin and soft tissue actinomycosis treatment. One-third of the patients with skin and soft tissue actinomycosis had documented recurrence within a median of 10 (interquartile range: 6-16) months of the initial episode. Monobacterial culture growth (85.7% vs. 63.8%, P = 0.02), patients with body mass index >25 (75% vs. 52.6%, P = 0.04) and patients with prior abscess in the same area (18.8% vs. 51.4%, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with recurrent actinomycosis compared to the nonrecurrent group. In a univariate logistic regression model, they were found to be significantly associated with recurrence; monobacterial growth [odds ratio (OR): 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-9.9], body mass index >25 (OR: 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-7.0) and prior abscess (OR: 4.6; 95% CI: 1.9-11.2).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study results highlight the importance of considering Actinomyces species in skin and soft tissue infections, especially in recurrent ones, and risk factors for recurrence. Suboptimal antibiotic utilization, very low numbers of consultations with infectious diseases and high recurrence rate suggest that providers should be informed and updated regarding this rare but hard-to-treat infection.
PubMed: 38564739
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004345